Applications are now being accepted by the Great Britain Cycling Team (GBCT) for talented riders looking to join the newly re-named Olympic Development Squads and Podium Potential Squads for sprint, endurance, mountain bike cross-country, BMX racing and BMX freestyle park.
The Olympic Development Squads (previously Junior Academy) and Podium Potential Squads (previously Senior Academy) have been renamed to better reflect the rider experience and expectations through each programme.
The GBCT performance pathway has previously supported a host of the sport’s biggest names, including Dame Laura Kenny, Paralympic champion Helen Scott, Tom Pidcock and Mark Cavendish, to name just a few.
Tom Stanton, Head of Performance Pathways for the Great Britain Cycling Team, said “Within the GBCT, a huge part of our work is to scout out and develop the most promising young cyclists and give them the skills and ability to be some of the most successful athletes in the world, strengthening Great Britain’s cycling legacy.
“We pride ourselves on not just developing skilled bike riders, but well-rounded individuals who have unique experiences, life skills and are equipped for life off the bike. This is what makes our performance pathway one of the strongest in UK sport.”
The Olympic Development Squad is focused on developing the country’s best young riders, ensuring that they are ready for life as full-time athletes. This will include opportunities to race at international competitions in preparation for riding in major events at a senior level.
Overview of key elements per discipline:
- Sprint and Endurance Olympic Development Squads: Age 16 – 18, camp-based, decentralised.
- MTB Cross-Country Olympic Development Squad: Age 16-18, camp-based, decentralised.
- BMX Racing Olympic Development Squad: Age 15-18, camp-based, decentralised.
- BMX-Freestyle Park Olympic Development Squad: Age 14+, camp-based, decentralised.
The Podium Potential Squads aim to further develop riders and ensure they are equipped to compete for medals at world championships and Olympic Games in the future.
Plans are currently being finalised to evolve the former Senior Academy Endurance Programme, to move to a model that forges stronger relationships with pro teams to develop the country’s best riders both on the road and on the track.
The final details of the 2023/24 programme are still being worked through, but British riders are expected to continue to compete in the UEC Under-23 European Road Championships and UCI Road World Championships. The Olympic Development Squad programme will be unaffected by the changes.
Overview of key elements per discipline:
- Sprint Podium Potential Squads: Age 18-22, centralised, full-time.
- Endurance Podium Potential Squads: Age 18-22, decentralised, full-time.
- MTB Cross-Country Podium Potential Squad: Age 18-22, decentralised, full-time.
- BMX Racing Podium Potential Squad: Age 18-22, centralised, full-time.
- BMX Freestyle Park Podium Potential Squad: Age 18+, decentralised, full-time.
Academy applications are open until 17:00 BST on June 30, 2023.
